Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office investigates deaths of Russian peacekeepers

On September 20, 2023, a group of servicemen of Azerbaijani Armed Forces, participating in local anti-terrorist activities in the territory of the village of Janiyatag in the Tartar district of Azerbaijan, shelled vehicle carrying servicemen of the Peacekeeping Contingent of the Russian Federation (RPC) stationed in this territory, mistaken them illegal Armenian armed formations due to the difficult terrain and foggy and rainy weather conditions. As a result of the incident, 5 peacekeepers were killed.

The press service of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan told Caliber.Az that on the same day, unidentified members of illegal Armenian armed formations shelled KAMAZ vehicle belonging to RPC in the territory of the above-mentioned settlement. As a result of the incident, one Russian serviceman was killed and one serviceman was wounded.

A criminal case has been launched on both facts under relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, the investigation of which is entrusted to the Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor's Office.

The Prosecutor Generals of the two countries had a telephone conversation today. The Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan expressed deep condolences to the Russian side in connection with the death of peacekeepers. The parties agreed to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the incident in close cooperation. At present, the Prosecutor's Office is conducting investigative and operational activities in the criminal case.